HRCP slams violence by hooligans at PU

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed concern over torturing of the Punjab University’s Philosophy Department students by armed activists allegedly belonging to the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT).

A statement issued by HRCP on Monday said: “The commission notes with concern the intimidation and harassment of students and teachers at the Punjab University Philosophy Department by activists allegedly belonging to the IJT. Over two dozen young men, at least five of them carrying firearms and the rest of them with rods and sticks, attacked Hostel number 7 of the university and dragged students out of their rooms and severely beat them up. At least seven students were injured and two had to be hospitalised, including one who was thrown down from the first floor.

“An assistant superintendent of the hostel was held at gunpoint during the one hour-long attack while the hostel guard was also injured. Despite calls to the police emergency number, police personnel did not arrive at the scene. The HRCP has serious concerns over a pattern of violence and intimidation against teachers and students for which the IJT has been blamed. It recalls that last Friday, faculty and students of the Philosophy Department had held a protest against violence by IJT activists,” the statement said.

“The IJT activists had tried to disrupt that protest and had beaten up university guards. Female students and teachers were also abused and threatened. The HRCP is also alarmed by the display of weapons at the university and apprehends that unless those responsible are held and tried for the crime the students might start thinking that the only way for them to protect themselves against attacks by hooligans is by acquiring weapons themselves,” it said.

“HRCP called upon the university administration and the Punjab government to take stern action against the hooligans and they should not go unpunished. The authorities are urged to make every effort to bring to book those responsible for the attack on the university hostel in order to deter future recourse to violence. It is also time the Jamaat-e-Islami take serious note of the activities of its student wing,” the statement concluded.
Source: Daily Times
Date:6/28/2011